List of Tables
List of Figures
- 1 Map of Soysambu with sample sizes from each locations
- 2 Gender of respondents
- 3 Map of principal livelihood activities in surveyed households
- 4 Was the household head born in this community?
- 5 Map showing the distribution of wealth quintiles
- 6 Overall positive impacts across all communities
- 7 Positive impacts broken down into separate locations
- 8 How secure do you feel from the risk of theft of your property?
- 9 Overall negative impacts across all communities
- 10 Negative impacts broken down into separate locations
- 11 Responses when asked: How is your life at the moment?
- 12 How has the general wellbeing of your household changed over the last 5 years?
- 13 The impact of Soysambu Conservancy on the well-being of their household
- 14 How has the contribution of Soysambu to your households well-being changed over the past 5 years?
- 15 Map of survey locations
- 16 Agree/Disagree on statements about transparency and access to information
- 17 Agree/Disagree on statements about mitigation of negative impacts
- 18 Agree/Disagree on statements about equitable benefit-sharing processes
- 19 Agree/Disagree on statements about rights
- 20 Map of 2nd most important livelihood in surveyed households
- 21 Map of second most important household livelihood
- 22 Livestock as tropical livestock units, per household
- 23 Did the household cultivate crops in the last year
- 24 No. of acres cultivated by the household in their location, in the last year
- 25 Livestock damaged by wildlife in the last year
- 26 Cultivated crops damaged by wildlife in the last year
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the authors. Whilst every care has been taken in the writing of this report, the authors accept no responsibility for any resultant errors herein, any damages or loss whatsoever caused or suffered by any individual or organisation.
Rights
The information in this report is copyrighted, therefore, copying or transmitting any part of this report without permission from the authors may be a violation. However, we encourage dissemination and use of this report with appropriate citation and acknowledgement.
Suggested citation
Please cite this report as such :
Brehony, P., Tyrrell, P., Muiyuro, R., Kang’ethe, E. 2024. Social Assessment of Protected Area for Soysambu Conservancy. Sustain East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.
Acknowledgements
This Social Assessment of Protected Areas for Soysambu Conservancy is the result of a collaborative effort between Sustain East Africa, Soysambu Conservancy, and representatives from communities bordering the Conservancy. Thank you to the all those who helped to pull this together.
Particular thanks go to: Helen Jerotich, Community Education Officer (Soysambu Conservancy); Chief Joseph Mwangi and Assistant Chief Felicah Mugi of Mbaruk location; Chief Parit Sururu and Assistant Chief Henry Balozi of Kongasis, Oljorai location; and Chief Simon Mathare and Assistant Chief Benson Mungai of Kiptangwani location.
We would also like to acknowledgement the MCA of Eburru Mbaruk Ward, Michael Gathanwa, and his ward administration for their insights and input in highlighting areas where Soysambu Conservancy can continue to support neighbouring communities.
We also thank the Nyumba Kumi village elders from the three locations for their input, as well as the dedicated enumerators involved in carrying out the household surveys: Benedicta Wanjiru, Emmanuel Kooli, and Paul Waweru.
Summary
Context
The Social Assessment for Protected and Conserved Areas (SAPA) is a standardised, low-cost and relatively simple approach to assessing social impacts of protected or conserved areas. SAPA can help identify positive and negative social impacts of protected or conserved areas, understand the underlying causes of problems related to governance and identify actions that could improve the situation. The methodology can also be used to establish a baseline for social impacts and their overall contribution to human wellbeing against which changes can be tracked over time. It is a multi-stakeholder assessment methodology for use by site-level stakeholders.
Key Findings
Overall contribution to wellbeing
The survey results indicated that the majority of respondents perceived Soysambu’s overall contribution to well-being as neutral, taking into account both positive and negative impacts. There were exceptions, particularly in Oljorai and Mbaruk locations, where a few respondents felt that Soysambu had increased their well-being.
On the other hand, approximately
Governance
SAPA encompasses four key principles of effective governance: participation in decision-making, transparency and accessibility to information, mitigation of negative impacts, and equitable benefit-sharing process.
Participation
In Mbaruk and Oljorai locations, the majority of people disagree that there is participation in Soysambu’s decision-making that impacts the community. However, in Soysambu itself, a large percentage of people feel that there is some level of participation, particularly in knowing their community representative for meetings with Soysambu and communicating with them. In Kiptangwani, there is a mix in opinions with most people feeling that there is no participation, some agreeing that there is participation, and quite a number do not know whether there is any participation.
Transparency and access to information
Rights
Benefit Sharing Process
Mitigation of Negative Impacts
Recommendations going forward
Given that there are significant differences between locations, we recommend xyz
Introduction
Soysambu Conservancy
Soysambu Conservancy is located within the Rift Valley System. It covers 48,000 acres, encompassing the northern and western shores of Lake Elmenteita. Soysambu Conservancy is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, including a population of 170 endangered Nubian Giraffes and over 450 bird species, notably hosting 28% of the world’s Lesser Flamingo population. Indeed Lake Elmentaita is one of Kenya’s Key Biodiversity Areas and RAMSAR sites (a wetland that is of international importance under the Ramsar Convention). Its rich wildlife habitat is home to buffalo, leopard, hippo, hyena, jackal, eland, zebra, impala, Thompson’s and Grant’s Gazelle, waterbuck, reedbuck, klipspringer, warthog, steinbok, colobus monkey, vervet monkey, and baboons.
Soysambu Conservancy was established as a Not-for-Profit Company in 2007 and works to conserve the Soysambu Estate as a traditional wildlife area, which supports the integrity of the greater Rift Valley ecosystem, while promoting sustainable coexistence of wildlife with livestock and at the same time being relevant to and part of modern-day Kenya.
Soysambu Conservancy wanted to understand more about the social impact of the conservancy on communities living within and surround the conservancy. Furthermore, they wanted to use the opportunity of assessing the social impacts of the Conservancy to listen to what communities within and surrounding the conservancy had to say about the positive and negative impacts of the Conservancy. This could also serve as an opportunity to establish a baseline for Soysambu Conservancy’s contribution to the well-being of communities, over time.
SAPA is a multi-stakeholder assessment methodology for use by site-level stakeholders. The methodology is based on a standardised process that can be replicated across protected or conserved areas while remaining flexible enough for tailoring to local needs and contexts.
SAPA uses a set of standard assessment questions directly related to social impacts and governance quality. It also includes a process of developing site-specific questions that respond to specific needs of actors.
SAPA can help identify positive and negative social impacts of protected or conserved areas, understand the underlying causes of problems related to governance and identify actions that could improve the situation. The inclusion of a governance and equity assessment in the second edition of SAPA strengthens the results and action planning processes. Governance is distinct from management and pays attention to who defines objectives and how. It also looks at allocation of responsibility and accountability for delivering on these objectives.
The methodology can also be used to establish a baseline for social impacts and their overall contribution to human wellbeing against which changes can be tracked over time. Therefore, the SAPA approach meets the requirements of Soysambu Conservancy as they seek to understand social impacts over time, and to listen to feed back from communities living within and surrounding the conservancy.
In order to plan the SAPA process, together with the Soysambu management, the Sustain East Africa team put together a work plan with dates for key steps in the SAPA process, and those responsible for organising the step, and where relevant, inviting stakeholders, such as community representatives to participate.
Community Mapping
The aim of community mapping is to ensure that all stakeholders within or neighbouring the conservancy are considered during the SAPA process.
Soysambu Conservancy provided a detailed map delineating its boundaries and essential physical features such as roads, rivers, and Lake Elmenteita. This map also included the locations and boundaries of communities within and surrounding the conservancy.
Following a meeting and exploratory visit with Soysambu management and representatives from neighbouring communities in September 2023 it was decided that this SAPA would focus on key neighbouring villages within the Oljorai, Kiptangwani, and Mbaruk locations, as well as those living within Soysambu.
Futhermore, at this stage of the process, some of the questions that would be specifically tailored to the Soysambu context were formulated. While many of these raised issues that were already aligned with standard assessment questions, some were articulated as additional queries in the household questionnaire.
Review existing information
At this stage, Soysambu Conservancy provided reports and meeting minutes from previous community engagements and projects. These were carefully reviewed to gain a comprehensive understanding of pertinent background details that a site profile could be formed. In turn, this allowed us to ensure that we were able to ensure that the most appropriate positive and negative social impacts and measures of wellbeing were being covered in the assessments; that a sufficient number of households would be sampled; that the assessment would be suitable to the cultural context.
Stakeholder Engagement
Finally, each location was visited, and the assessment was discussed with the Administrative Chief from the location. This in turn led to introductions to the heads of village. At this stage, the survey were able to understand the local context, ensure that community representatives were willing to participate in group discussions, and to secure permission to carry out the household surveys.
Scoping
The scoping phase of SAPA is dedicated to defining the assessment’s boundaries concerning space, time, and issues, prior to delving into detailed information gathering.
In terms of space, the villages and locations that had been visited and consulted were already set.
In terms of time, the SAPA primarily addresses social impacts that have occurred in the past, rather than those anticipated in the future. For this assessment, a recall period of five years was selected.
SAPA covers various social impact and governance issues. The standard aspects of assessment include:
- The impact of Soysambu and its development activities on people’s well-being.
- Identification of significant negative and positive impacts resulting from Soysambu and associated conservation and development initiatives.
- Evaluation of the recognition and respect of local women’s and men’s rights by Soysambu.
- Assessment of timely access to pertinent information by local women and men.
- Examination of the effectiveness of measures to mitigate negative impacts on local women and men.
- Evaluation of the equitable distribution of benefits related to Soysambu within and between local communities.
However, even these aspects of the assessment might overlook important issues. To address this, as part of the scoping step, a community meeting and stakeholder workshop is conducted. Furthermore, the household survey and the second community meeting are also designed to identify other potential gaps that may exist.
First community meeting and stakeholder workshop
In November 2023, the Sustain team conducted a half-day workshop with community stakeholders, including 19 participants representing location chiefs, village representatives, and enumerators recruited from the communities.
The workshop aimed to familiarize participants with the SAPA methodology and upcoming household survey questions. It also gave representatives a chance to raise any outstanding issues that were not being asked about.
This workshop plays a vital role in ensuring the SAPA’s relevance to local needs, active participation of the key stakeholders, and fostering ownership of the process among key stakeholders.
Information Gathering
The next step in the process is to gather information through a household survey. This is then followed once more by a discussion and feedback in a stakeholder workshop and community meeting. This balanced approach combines quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from community meetings and stakeholder workshops.
Planning the household survey
The household survey will be the key step to collecting quantitative data from across the key locations in a statistically representative manner. Based on timelines, budgets, and the number of villages to cover, we agreed to interview 180 households, randomly selected from the target area’s villages.
Therefore, out of 44 villages identified as important, across the 3 selected locations, 18 villages were randomly chosen for the survey. Within each of these 18 villages, a minimum of 10 households were to be randomly selected.
The sampling plan was devised based on information from the most recent national census, information from Administrative Chiefs, accessibility of locations, estimated survey duration and enumerator requirements.
Location | No. of Respondents | % of total |
|---|---|---|
Mbaruk | 81 | 45% |
Oljorai | 70 | 39% |
Soysambu | 20 | 11% |
Kiptangwani | 10 | 5% |
Developing household questionnaire
The SAPA facilitation team crafted a series of questions to be piloted, then tested with enumerators, before being deployed in the household survey.
The survey incorporated Soysambu-specific social impacts, governance issues, informed by concerns raised during reconnaissance visits and reports from the Soysambu Conservancy team. Furthermore, custom governance statements were developed to address rights, participation, transparency, and impact mitigation or benefit sharing.
The survey was initially drafted in English, it was then translated into Swahili. A back-translation process to English ensured accuracy and that the intended meaning was correct. Adjustments based on feedback from the pilot survey, training process, and Soysambu Conservancy management were incorporated, and the final questionnaire was uploaded to the Open Data Kit (ODK) and KoboToolbox for enumerator use during the survey.
Enumerator Training
In order to ensure that data collection is of the highest standards, the SAPA process relies on proficiently trained enumerators, capable of conducting efficient and accurate surveys.
Therefore, 3 enumerators were recruited from within the survey locations, based on their proficiency in English and Swahili, their good standing in the community, and the fact that they had at least completed high school.
In November 2023, the SAPA facilitation team conducted a two day training sessions which included a detailed run through of all the questions, the information the survey was to capture, and why this was important. The enumerators were trained in the use of ODK and KoboToolbox. The training also included a review of survey and research ethics, and appropriate behaviour before and after the survey.
The enumerators conducted practice interviews, focused on comprehension and questionnaire adjustments.
Following successful completion of the training, the enumerators were equipped with smartphones, battery banks, notebooks, and backpags. They were clearly instructed on the sampling approach with each enumerator allocated six villages and instructed to randomly sample 10 households from each village.
As a final step in the training, the enumerators conducted pilot interviews with acquaintances. The data from these were reviewed and analysed and the enumerators were given feedback on their performance.
Conduct Household Survey
As discussed above, the sample size include 18 randomly selected villages, where a total of 10 households were surveys. In total, 181 households were sampled, over three weeks from November 20th to December 6th, 2023.
Sampling locations included Data collection locations included Kiwanja Ndege Mkulima, Leleshwa, Pema, Kapkures, Mbaruk, Muranga, Kiambogo, Ngatta, Mololine, Kelelwa, Soysambu Area, Oldubey, Kapedo, Jogoo, Echareria, Central Utut, Jolai 1,2, Sleeping Warrior Gate, Jolai Gate, and Kampi Turkana.
Each survey began with an explanation of the purpose of the survey, how data would be used, confidentiality measures, the participant’s rights, and sought their consent before proceeding.
Following each survey, the respondent was given a small token of appreciation in the form of sugar.
As the survey was being conducted, the facilitation team made random calls to 11% of all respondents to verify that the survey had taken place, to ask for any comments or feedback, and to ensure that the information provided was correct.
No negative feedback or concerns regarding the data collection process were received.
Figure 1: Map of Soysambu with sample sizes from each locations
Analyse Household Survey
The first step in data analysis was to ensure that there was anonymity. Therefore, in adherence to the Data Protection Act, 2019, identities and numbers collected from respondents was removed. This ensured that all data collected from respondents was handled anonymously, and that no individually identifiable information pertaining to race, health status, ethnic social origin, conscience, belief, genetic data, biometric data, property details, marital status, family details, sex, or sexual orientation were shared.
The next steps were to use design based inference in R, with the survey and srvyr packages to calculate population proportions, standard errors and 95% confidence intervals based on the sample data collected.
The results from these are presented as tables, graphs, maps, and percentages in the following section.
Assessing
Second community meeting and stakeholder workshop
The final stages of the SAPA process involve conducting a second stakeholder workshop, where key findings from the household survey are shared with representatives of key stakeholders. Any questions raised during the workshop are addressed, and actionable ideas are presented.
This workshop serves firstly as a review and validation that the data collected are likely to reflect the realities on the ground, and secondly as a further information-gathering opportunity. The insights gathered as part of this discussion can help assist in mitigating negative social impacts, promoting equitable distribution of positive impacts, and enhancing governance within the protected area.
At the second workshop in Soysambu, the focus was on discussing additional ideas for ways in which Soysambu could provide positive social benefits to the community, that were not sufficiently captured in the survey responses.
These ideas, detailed below, encompassed community activities, initiatives by Soysambu Conservancy management, and greater collaboration with local, regional, or national government entities.
Taking Action
Communicate results
Following the conclusion of Soysambu Conservancy’s SAPA, it is crucial that the findings are effectively communicated to all relevant stakeholders. This includes not only the conservancy management team but also local communities, government authorities, NGOs, and other interested parties. This has been partly achieved through the second workshop discussed above. However, beyond this, clear and transparent communication of the assessment results will help foster understanding, build trust, and encourage collective action towards addressing identified issues.
In communicating the results, it is essential to use accessible language and diverse communication channels to reach different stakeholders effectively. This may include community meetings, workshops, newsletters, social media platforms, and formal reports. As was the case for the second workshop discussed above, engaging in further dialogue sessions where stakeholders can ask questions and provide feedback on the assessment findings will improve understanding and ownership of the process.
Plan actions and monitor progress
Looking ahead, it is important that an action plan to address the identified issues is put in place. This should outline specific strategies, activities, timelines, responsibilities, and resources required to implement interventions.
As was brought up in the second stakeholder workshop, community representatives called for greater collaboration with local, regional, or national government entities. Therefore, it will be important to ensure that the conservancy management, local communities, government agencies, and potentially other relevant NGOs, are involved in the action planning process. This will ensure some ownership, prioritising, and commitment to the proposed interventions.
Once an action plan is in place, it will be essential to establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating progress. By continuously monitoring progress, Soysambu Conservancy can adapt its strategies and interventions to meet evolving social needs and ensure the sustainable management of the protected area.
Findings
Characteristics of the respondents
Household head’s gender, age, and average number of children
Figure 2: Gender of respondents
Location | Mean no. of children | Mean age of household head |
|---|---|---|
Kiptangwanyi | 2.5 | 46.8 |
Mbaruk | 1.8 | 54.1 |
OlJorai | 3.6 | 47.0 |
Soysambu | 3.2 | 45.3 |
Principal livelihoods of the households
Residents surrounding Soysambu Conservancy engage in various economic activities, each with distinct needs. To the south, adjacent to Samburu, are pastoralist communities. Along the Pipeline-Elementaita road, there exists a satellite urban settlement area where minimal agriculture is practiced. The northern region comprises a mix of satellite urban communities and pastoralists, while the area along the Nakuru road towards Gilgil is predominantly occupied by smallholder farmers. Following this, the results are presented disaggregated by location.
Figure 3: Map of principal livelihood activities in surveyed households
How long household heads have been in the area
Figure 4: Was the household head born in this community?
Wealth of households
Based on a number of variables that were recorded during the survey, a wealth index was constructed. This included whether the household owned assets such as a car, motorbike, television, radio, generator, smart phone, water tank, pit latrine, and whether they used mpesa, the construction material of their house, how often they skipped meals, how many livestock they had, and how large an area they cultivated. Based on a principal component analysis, households were categorised into 5 quintiles, and a map of these is shown below, followed by two key variables in understanding household level wealth, namely how often the household were forced to skip a meal, and the construction material of the walls of their house.
Figure 5: Map showing the distribution of wealth quintiles
Positive Social Impacts
Soysambu conservancy’s initiative to offer sponsorship opportunities for students, enabling access to education and fostering academic achievement, was seen as a positive social impact by some households. Additionally, Soysambu’s contributions to local schools, such as providing school meals for students, school uniforms, desks, and sports equipment, positively impact educational outcomes and student well-being. The Conservancy also provides free guided educational trips to community members, offering valuable learning experiences and fostering appreciation for conservation efforts.
Soysambu conservancy’s support for health projects, including the provision of equipment to clinics and cancer screening for women, contributed to improved healthcare access and outcomes within the community. Additionally, Soysambu Conservancy also provided anti-rabies vaccinations for dogs and donkeys, demonstrating a commitment to community health.
Soysambu conservancy provides water to the community either through trucks or by building water tanks, ensuring access to clean and safe water for local residents.
Soysambu conservancy’s support in building or maintaining infrastructure including police posts, schools, and roads, were reported to enhance the overall quality of life for community members.
Soysambu conservancy also offered outreach services in the form of training in improved livestock production, health, and waste management, empowering residents with valuable knowledge and skills.
Soysambu actively participates in environmental conservation initiatives, such as tree planting, contributing to the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity. Moreover, Soysambu offers support to bush-clearing workers by providing firewood for free, demonstrating a commitment to employee welfare and community support.
Figure 6: Overall positive impacts across all communities
Positive Impacts by Location
The findings of the household survey reveal diverse perspectives across the four locations. When the survey respondents were asked about how important projects previously implemented by Soysambu were to their households the majority of respondents from Kiptangwani location assigned a rating of zero, indicating little importance. A significant portion expressed low importance, while only a few acknowledged medium to high importance, particularly concerning water provision and infrastructure development.
In Mbaruk location, respondents indicated that the previously mentioned projects had zero impact on their households, with very few attributing medium to high importance to them. In the Oljorai location, the influence of Soysambu Conservancy on the community appears notably positive. A majority of respondents affirmed the high importance of the projects to their households, with a significant number rating them as of medium importance. Fewer respondents indicated zero importance, while a minimal number expressed low importance.
The findings revealed mixed perceptions among residents within Soysambu regarding the significance of various projects. While a considerable number regarded most projects as of high importance, some perceived certain initiatives e.g sponsorship opportunities for students and community education programs, as having zero importance to their households. Consequently, the number of respondents expressing medium importance to the projects was minimal.
Figure 7: Positive impacts broken down into separate locations
Feelings of security
This was not across the board, but there were clear results that communities living on Soysambu conservancy felt much more secure than those living outside. Feeling secure is a crucial contributor to wellbeing.
Figure 8: How secure do you feel from the risk of theft of your property?
Negative Social Impacts
Although Soysambu Conservancy have made considerable efforts to improve relationships with communities within and neighbouring the conservancy, there are still a number of impacts that are having negative impacts on household well-being.
The findings from discussions with community representatives and the household surveys indicate that transmission of disease from wildlife and livestock in Soysambu to local livestock poses a significant concern for community members. Human-wildlife conflict also dominates in the area with wildlife originating from Soysambu exacerbating tensions and challenges for residents. Examples include the damage to crops, livestock and other property; injury of people; and lack of compensation for damage and injury by wildlife from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Moreover, restricted access to certain public utilities, such as roads, creates barriers to mobility and community well-being.
Respondents also said that Soysambu-related benefits are unfairly shared, for example, there was main concern on limited employment opportunities and a lack of prioritisation in employment within Soysambu. This together with the exclusion of the local community from involvement in development projects perpetuates feelings of exclusion.
There is also a perceived lack of appreciation from Soysambu Conservancy when they receive assistance from the community, such as when the community assists in putting out fires during dry seasons. Limited access to grazing areas and restrictions on tree cutting within Soysambu Conservancy compound the challenges faced by local residents.
Figure 9: Overall negative impacts across all communities
Negative Impacts by Location
The assessment findings suggest that respondents in Oljorai location considered all of the highlighted negative impacts as of high importance, implying a detrimental effect on their household well-being. Fewer respondents felt that the impacts were of medium importance while a number of them fel that some impacts were of zero importance for example conflict with wildlife, little grazing access to Soysambu and community not being prioritised in employment by Soysambu.
Opinions among respondents in Kiptangwani location were varied when it came to negative impacts. A significant majority of respondents highlighted that all negative impacts were of high importance and thus had a lot of impact on their household wellbeing, except for the restriction of access to public utilities, where most respondents expressed a perception of zero importance. Some respondents cited the negative impacts as having low importance, while others had no opinion at all.
Figure 10: Negative impacts broken down into separate locations
Damage by wildlife
These are not caused by wildlife from Soysambu, although people often attribute this to be the case.
Conflict
Based on the results of the household survey, the majority of conflict with wildlife comes from baboons and vervet monkeys, as well as a few others, including porcupines and buffalo. For households who have livestock, hyaenas (not defined which species) were the most frequently cited. Furthermore, across all areas, thankfully less than 1% (0.9%) of households reported that a member of their household was injured or killed by wildlife in the last year.
Households reporting that livestock were damaged by wild animals in the last year
Households reporting that crops were damaged by wild animals in the last year
Overall contribution to wellbeing
In terms of wellbeing, the survey looked at this from a number of perspectives. Firstly, the respondents were asked about their own overall self-assessed well-being. This was achieved by asking the household head How’s life and explaining that 1 means everything is very bad and 10 means everything is very good.
Figure 11: Responses when asked: How is your life at the moment?
Figure 12: How has the general wellbeing of your household changed over the last 5 years?
Then, once the respondent was asked about the positive and negative impacts of Soysambu conservancy, they were asked if they could take into account all of these impacts discussed, and summarise the overall impact of Soysambu on the well-being of their household.
Figure 13: The impact of Soysambu Conservancy on the well-being of their household
Finally, in order to understand how the impact of Soysambu Conservancy on household wellbeing is changing over time, the respondents were asked how has the contribution of Soysambu to your household’s well-being changed over the past 5 years?
Figure 14: How has the contribution of Soysambu to your households well-being changed over the past 5 years?
The survey results indicated that the majority of respondents perceived Soysambu’s overall contribution to well-being as neutral, taking into account both positive and negative impacts. There were exceptions, particularly in Oljorai and Mbaruk locations, where a few respondents felt that Soysambu had increased their well-being.
On the other hand, approximately
Governance
In the context of the Social Assessment of Protected Areas (SAPA), governance plays a pivotal role, encompassing various aspects such as power dynamics, relational structures, and mechanisms for accountability. Unlike management, governance within SAPA is concerned with decision-making processes, resource allocation, and ensuring the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in the conservation framework.
Governance within SAPA is characterized by: Recognition and Respect for Rights; Full and Effective Participation; Transparency and Access to Information; Mitigation of Negative Impacts. As part of the SAPA process we asked questions about each of these.
Participation in decision-making
Full and effective participation in decision making ensures that all relevant stakeholders are actively involved in the decision-making processes which fosters a sense of ownership and inclusivity.
In the communities of Mbaruk and Oljorai, a significant portion of residents express that they disagreed that they were involved in in decision-making processes that affect their communities. Conversely, within Soysambu itself, a notable proportion of individuals perceive a degree of participation, particularly in terms of awareness about their community representatives for engagements with Soysambu and the channels available for communication with them. In Kiptangwani, opinions vary, with some residents indicating a lack of participation, others acknowledging its existence, and a considerable number chosing to answer Don’t know”, when asked about the extent of their involvement in decision-making processes.
Figure 15: Map of survey locations
Transparency and access to information
Transparency and Access to Information: Facilitating transparency through timely access to relevant information in suitable formats, thereby promoting openness and trust among stakeholders.
Figure 16: Agree/Disagree on statements about transparency and access to information
Mitigation of negative impacts
Mitigation of Negative Impacts: Implementing effective measures to mitigate any adverse effects on indigenous peoples and local communities, ensuring their well-being and protection.
Figure 17: Agree/Disagree on statements about mitigation of negative impacts
Equitable benefit-sharing processes
Equitable Benefit Sharing: Ensuring that benefits derived from the protected area are equitably distributed among relevant stakeholders based on agreed-upon targeting options, thus promoting fairness and social justice.
Figure 18: Agree/Disagree on statements about equitable benefit-sharing processes
Rights
Recognition and Respect for Rights: Emphasizing the acknowledgment and respect for the rights of all relevant actors involved in the protected area management.
Figure 19: Agree/Disagree on statements about rights
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From assessment to action: stakeholder suggestions for how Soysambu can help
To capture suggestions from stakeholders, during the survey, respondents were asked a simple open-ended question: “Are there any other ways, not mentioned, that you think Soysambu could help your community?”. Fruthermore, during the second stakeholder workshop, the 33 participants were divided into groups that represented their communities, and were given an opportunity to brainstorm and add further suggestions.
In the following section, we outline the main categories under which these suggestions fall.
Support for Schools and Education
Soysambu Conservancy has provided land for the construction of Lady Anne Secondary School. One household participant expressed gratitude to Soysambu for this initiative. However, there is a recurring call for greater support for schools and education, as highlighted in both the open-ended survey questions and the stakeholder workshops. Specifically, participants made several requests for investments from Soysambu, including:
Allocation of land between Baraka and Soysambu for the construction of a primary school and other public utilities, as well as the relocation of Kiboko Primary School to this land.
Construction of a primary school in Royal Estate.
Installation of ablution blocks in primary schools such as Kapkures, Kambi Turkana, Oldubei, Olesirwa, Kelelwa, and Olepolos.
Establishment of an Early Childhood Education (ECDE) center in Jogoo village, addressing a recognized need from community engagement sessions.
Development of a nursery school in Kiwanja Ndege and Ngatta areas, along with polytechnics and secondary schools.
Implementation of school feeding programs in Ol Jorai Primary School.
Creation of a library in the Mololine area to engage the youth.
Provision of transportation for children commuting to Kiboko Primary.
Furthermore, workshop participants suggested that Soysambu could offer scholarships to the brightest students from primary schools across all areas. Some respondents expressed concerns about the fairness of scholarship provisions, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Health and hospital facilities
Perhaps unsurprisingly, support for health initiatives within the communities was another form of support that was reguarly mentioned. During the survey, respondents expressed a collective desire for improved health facilities, including the construction of hospitals, provision of medical equipment, and upgrades to existing dispensaries.
In the Mbaruk area, one in five respondents echoed the need for expanded healthcare infrastructure, including a hospital and a better-equipped dispensary in Echareria. The sentiment was further reinforced during the stakeholder workshops, with participants emphasizing the importance of constructing essential facilities such as a maternity wing, staff houses for health workers, and an outpatient wing in various locations, including Kiungururia.
Similarly, in Oljorai, some respondents stressed the need for improved health facilities in Kampi Turkana and Kapkures: “We need a hospital in Kapkures as women are losing children because a hospital is lacking”. The sentiment was echoed during the stakeholder workshops, where requests for dispensaries at Kampi Turkana and Kapkures, along with staff housing at the Oljorai health center, were highlighted.
While there were not specific requests from respondents in Kiptangwani during the survey, during the stakeholder workshops, participants emphasized the importance of equipping the maternity wing at the Elementaita dispensary in Elementaita village.
Water Provision Services
The need for reliable access to water was a recurring theme among the communities surveyed. Respondents highlighted the necessity for water infrastructure such as dams and boreholes to address water scarcity, especially during dry seasons.
In the Mbaruk area, a significant portion of respondents emphasized the importance of water infrastructure, including the revival of existing boreholes and the construction of new ones. Participants specifically called for a water tower at Kiungururia and a borehole in Echareria during the stakeholder workshops, indicating the critical need for improved water access for water that passes through through Kiambogo and near cultivated land to Soysambu: “Allow us access the water passing through Kiambogo to Dalamere farm.”
Similarly, in Kasambara, participants echoed the sentiment for enhanced water infrastructure, with requests for boreholes at Wamagwathi’s farm and a pipe extension at Kianyeni village, to address water scarcity in the region. In particular, participants called for the existing boreholes near African Forest to be revived.
In Oljorai, a third of those surveyed underscored the necessity for dams or water pans to mitigate water scarcity, particularly during dry weather.
Respondents from Kiptangwani also expressed a pressing need for community water provision, with 50% of survey respondents advocating for improved water access. Stakeholder workshops reiterated the importance of constructing water points and providing water pipes in key areas to address water challenges effectively.
Overall, the stakeholder workshops served to emphasize the requests for water distribution infrastructure (e.g. water points at Mwariki C, water pipes in Jogoo village), a mega-dam at Soysambu to help harvest water heading to Elementaita around Maisha poa area, a waterpan in Kampi Turkana, and a borehole in Ngatta.
Livestock Management
Livestock management also emerged as a significant concern among the communities surveyed, but particularly among those for whom livestock are one of their most important livelihoods. The map below shows that the second most important livelihood for most households, is livestock, especially in places like Oljorat.
Figure 20: Map of 2nd most important livelihood in surveyed households
Therefore, unsurprisingly, requests and suggestions came primarily from Oljorai, where most of those surveyed sought assistance in multiple aspects of livestock management, including access to grazing fields during dry seasons, provision of grass for livestock, livestock management education programs, compensation for losses due to wildlife encounters, and cessation of harassment by security personnel on herders.
The stakeholder workshops further elucidated the community’s requests, with a majority emphasizing the need for capacity building on improved livestock management, access to grazing areas, hay production (some suggested at Nderit primary school), livestock vaccination, and infrastructure development such as cattle dips (e.g. at Kambi Shule). Participants also highlighted the need for measures to mitigate wildlife-livestock conflict, from Hyaenas in particular, with some people suggesting the use of traps.
A number of respondents in the Mbaruk area also highlighted the need for support in sustainable livestock management, as well as grazing access (they mentioned on “unused land”), education on livestock management, and access to animal vaccination services and artificial insemination. Additionally, participants in Kasambara emphasized the long-standing request for the provision of dairy goats and dairy cattle, underscoring the community’s desire for diversified livestock options.
Environment and Sanitation
Mbaruk; 19% of total Mbaruk respondents expressed a desire for Soysambu to address environment-related issues by: installing sanitation points near the highway in the Soysambu area, continuing to provide tree seedlings, and assisting in raising awareness about environmental preservation. Workshop participants from Kasambara requested for fencing and trees be provided for planting at Chamuka springs (31%)
Oljorai; 1% of total Oljorai respondents wanted Soysambu to help in planting trees in the community. This was also raised as a request at the workshop with participants wanting the provision of tree seedlings for planting in the entire location (7%).
Security
As mentioned above, the majority of respondents from communities living in Soysambu expressed a greater sense of security for their property. Feeling secure is a crucial contributor to wellbeing. However, in other areas, this was not always the case. In Mbaruk; 22% of total survey respondents requested assistance from Soysambu in the construction of a police post in Murang’a Echereria, Mbaruk, and Mololine villages. This was also highlighted in the workshop where participants wanted a police post in Royal estate (38%), Mbaruk chief’s office (23%) and motor vehicles for patrol (62%). Kiptangwanyi; the second workshop participants highlighted a need for a chief’s and assistant chief’s administration office at the Kiptangwanyi chief’s camp (100%).
Land and Fencing
Mbaruk; 16% of total Mbaruk respondents expressed a variety of desires regarding land usage in Soysambu: They requested the opportunity to purchase land from Soysambu whenever it becomes available for sale, proposed allocating a portion of the land for community use (including establishing a market for local produce, a graveyard, and a waste disposal site), and they suggested distributing land to squatters in the community at affordable rates. In Kiambogo, they conveyed appreciation to Soysambu for selling land to their fathers. Soysambu; 35% of Soysambu respondents suggested receiving a portion of land from Soysambu at a subsidized rate, Soysambu to set aside land for them to cultivate vegetables, and advocated for the installation of an electric fence around residential areas within Soysambu for enhanced security.
Community representation
Mbaruk; 10% of total Mbaruk’s respondents expressed a desire for Soysambu to; clearly communicate their rules to the community, hold quarterly general meetings with the community and in Pema, one respondent requested the election of a community representative. Oljorai; 9% of total Mbaruk respondents shared their perspectives on community involvement as follows; they emphasised the importance of Soysambu fostering positive relationships with local communities, advocated for the inclusion of the community in decision-making processes, and suggested holding regular meetings between Soysambu and the community.
Other suggestions that were mentioned which we have not elaborated on here include: employment - that Soysambu prioritise community members for positions in the conservancy; and community participation in game drives to observe wild animals in Soysambu Conservancy.
Harrassment and compensation
In Oljorai, a number of respondents, reported instances of harassment, particularly on people gathering firewood. Furthermore, a number of people reported that they were harassed in the process of being arrested. A number of respondents also expressed their frustration over a lack of compensation from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for damage by wild animals to crops and livestock. These issues were not raised in other areas.
Recommendations
Here, we outline actionable steps and strategies aimed at enhancing the conservation efforts and social impact management within Soysambu Conservancy. Drawing upon the identified challenges and opportunities, our recommendations seek to foster sustainable practices, improve community engagement, and promote equitable outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
Requests from communities
Agricultural extension services
In the requests and suggestions from those surveyed and workshop participants, there were a number of calls for education programs to improve livelihoods. For most households, the principal livelihoods are still agriculture based (with Kibarua or livestock for some). Soysambu has already carried out some form of agricultural extension activity through the farmer’s seminar on livestock production. This could be an area that is expanded on to support those in the community who are engaged in smallholder activities.
An extension programme could be designed to promote new methods and solutions to inform smallholders on how to increase production (and income) and become more food secure.
A needs-based assessment would be required for the target community and tracking impact would be a crucial consideration. Changing farming practices and behaviours is a particularly challenging objective in the short-term as behaviours tend to change over longer periods of time and often proof of success of new practices needs to be demonstrated for changes in traditional farming practice to be adopted. As such, this would be a longer-term programme allowing for shifts in both the knowledge and attitudes of the target community with regards to the practices being promoted and actually being implemented. Funding of certain inputs should also be considered for the success of this programme and for the farmers to be able to adopt some of the practices being promoted.
An agricultural extension programme could be rolled out in a number of ways, from inviting interested members of the community to watch videos promoting new and improved farming methods – through to creating demonstration farms to impart knowledge in a more practical manner and allowing for participants to see changes over time.
The tables below set out some examples of how climate smart agriculture could be promoted to the smallholder community. These suggestion aim to increase farmer’s knowledge on farming practices that can improve productivity in crop or livestock agriculture, and how farmers can adapt their practices to accommodate an ever-changing climate.
Theme | Content | Disbursement of information |
|---|---|---|
Soil health | Information sharing on what a soil test is and why it is important to do one e.g. can tell the health of the soil, PH levels, which crops can be grown in your soil and which fertilizer to use. | Practical demonstration - how to carry out a crop test. |
Conservation agriculture | A way of farming to keep nutrients and moisture in the soil. Helps control pests and diseases. Minimum tillage, mulching, crop rotation | Practical demonstration of all 3 activities. |
Soil management | The importance of fertilizer to return nutrients to soil. | Practical demonstration of fertilizer and manure application. |
Theme | Content | Disbursement of information |
|---|---|---|
Planting | Informing participants that maize does not grow well in acidic soils. Soil test can determine this. What can be done if soil is acidic e.g. add lime. | Practical demonstration of how to plant and education session on importance of certified seeds and contingency crops. |
Management | Importance of weeding, fertiliser and when do apply, soil testing (to gauge best fertilizer). | Practical demonstration. |
Pests and diseases | Plant certified seeds, keep farm weed free and rotate crops each season. | Education session e.g videos. |
Storage | The importance of harvesting and storing appropriately e.g. Dry maize thoroughly for 2-3 weeks on tarpaulin in the sun. | Practical demonstration and education on alternative storage methods e.g. Hermetic bags. |
Theme | Content | Disbursement of information |
|---|---|---|
Cows – Housing | Importance of good housing and what a cow shed should consist of e.g. Sleeping area, walking area, feeding area, milking place and calf pen. | Practical demonstration. |
Cows – feeding | Ensure good yields with provision of fodder crops, protein supplements (dairy meal, legume plants) along with vitamins and minerals. | Education session e.g. talk from experts or videos. |
Cows (dairy) - fodder | What grasses can be planted directly into the field and creating a nursery for other fodder grasses. | Practical demonstration. |
Cows (dairy) – Hay | Good for adapting to the changing climate. | Practical demonstration how and when to cut grass, drying it and storage. |
Cows (dairy) – Silage | Planning for the dry season. How to make it and how long it can be stored for. | Practical demonstration on how to make and store silage. |
Theme | Content | Disbursement of information |
|---|---|---|
Rainwater harvesting | How to build a rainwater harvesting system by fixing gutters to roofs and connecting to a tank. | Demonstration on how to create gutters on roofs. |
Water management | Installing a drip irrigation system to save time and money. | Demonstration of drip irrigation system. |
Theme | Content | Disbursement of information |
|---|---|---|
Budgeting | What is it? Why it’s important. | Education session – talk given by an expert or video. |
Loans | Why take a loan e.g. farm inputs. Type of loan e.g. bank/SACCO/Chama. | Education session – talk given by an expert or video. |
Savings | Why save e.g. gets your through poor yields, buying inputs etc. Work out how much you can afford to save, where to put your money e.g. a bank etc. | Education session – talk given by an expert or video. |
Insurance | Why? Changing weather and unexpected losses. How insurance works etc. | Education session – talk given by an expert or video. |
Bibliography
Appendix
Appendix 1 - Sample frame
Location | Village | Estimated No. of HHs | Selected |
|---|---|---|---|
Gilgil | Kikopey | ||
Gilgil | Karura | ||
Gilgil | Kasarani | ||
Kiptangwanyi | Jogoo | 600 | yes |
Kiptangwanyi | Mwariki C | ||
Kiptangwanyi | Elmentaita | 200 | |
Kiptangwanyi | Bombo | 250 | |
Kiptangwanyi | Dam | 150 | |
Kiptangwanyi | Old game | ||
Kiptangwanyi | Miti Mingi | ||
Mbaruk | Muranga | 90 | yes |
Mbaruk | Mbaruk Marura | 100 | |
Mbaruk | Pema | 200 | yes |
Mbaruk | Kiwanja Ndege Mkulima | 5000 | yes |
Mbaruk | Kiambogo | 70 | yes |
Mbaruk | Kahuho | 200 | |
Mbaruk | Mololine | 80 | yes |
Mbaruk | Kasambara | 100 | |
Mbaruk | Kiwanja Ndege | 200 | |
Mbaruk | Leleshwa | 80 | yes |
Mbaruk | Echareria | 300 | yes |
Mbaruk | Mbaruk | 500 | yes |
Oljorai | Oldubey | 260 | yes |
Oljorai | Kelelwa | 282 | yes |
Oljorai | Central Utut | 178 | yes |
Oljorai | Kapkures | 274 | yes |
Oljorai | Elementaita Munyaka | 600 | |
Oljorai | Lokichogio | 400 | |
Oljorai | Kapedo | 189 | yes |
Oljorai | Central hall | 700 | |
Oljorai | Kongasis | ||
Oljorai | Block D | 500 | |
Oljorai | Gema | 400 | |
Oljorai | Kampi shule | 400 | |
Oljorai | Kongasis A | 800 | |
Oljorai | Kongasis B | 1300 | |
Oljorai | Kongasis Centre | 1200 | |
Oljorai | Ngatta | 250 | yes |
Oljorai | Kampi Turkana | 117 | yes |
Soysambu | Head office | 92 | |
Soysambu | Soysambu area | 183 | yes |
Soysambu | Melia Nyeupe/borehole/nginegii | 28 | |
Soysambu | Jolai 1, 2, sleeping warrior, jolai gate | 50 | yes |
Soysambu | Congreve area | 11 |
Appendix 2 - Additional data
Figure 21: Map of second most important household livelihood
Figure 22: Livestock as tropical livestock units, per household
Figure 23: Did the household cultivate crops in the last year
Figure 24: No. of acres cultivated by the household in their location, in the last year
Figure 25: Livestock damaged by wildlife in the last year
Figure 26: Cultivated crops damaged by wildlife in the last year
Social Assessment of Protected Areas (SAPA) approach
The Social Assessment for Protected and Conserved Areas (SAPA), launched in 2014, responded to a need for a standardised, low-cost and relatively simple approach to assessing social impacts of protected or conserved areas (Franks, Small, and Booker 2018).